Tradition of Applefest safely continues

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By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer

Tradition of Applefest safely continues

Northborough – Northborough’s annual Applefest is a fall tradition that even a pandemic will not cancel entirely. The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Sept. 27. While the gala, parade, fireworks, street fair and some of the classic events cannot be held due to the current state restrictions on crowd size, other events will be held in a format that keeps safety, health and social distancing a priority.

The Applefest Committee said it was important to do something to bring the community together during such difficult times, while following all the guidelines. 

“Things are difficult for everyone right now,” said Applefest Chair Michelle Gillespie. “These past few months have been tough. Our priority has been to increase community morale while making sure we follow all available guidelines and keep everyone safe and sound.”

 

Highlights of the weekend include:

 

Northborough Junior Woman’s Club (NJWC) Apple Pie Café: NJWC will be partnering with Main Street Pastries and More (5 West Main Street, Northborough). Pre-orders for apple pies and apple crisps must be placed no later than Tuesday, Sept. 15 via the online form at www.northborojuniors.org. The bakery will be using the original recipe and will be the pick-up location. Pies/crisps will be frozen and baking instructions will be provided. Cost is $15 or $18 for a gluten free option. 

NJWC Apple Pie Café Committee Co-Chair Neeta Karanjkar encourages families to purchase their pies for the holidays.

“As a committee, we didn’t want to say no to the event,” she said. “We will miss seeing and serving everyone this year, but are grateful for the help of Main Street Pastries.”

 

Boros Cares 4 Troops (BC4T) Virtual 5K Road Race and Walk: BC4T founding members Leslie Arsenault, Karen Brewster, Beth Davison and Michelle Gillespie encourage everyone to participate in the virtual event his year. The registration fee is $35/participant. Runners and walkers can register at www.bc4t.org and participate any time between Saturday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept 27. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds will support BC4T Hometown Heroes Program, Senior Veteran Care packages and the soon- to- be open Veterans Pantry. 

 

Friends of the Northborough Library Book Sale will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the front lawn (34 Main Street). Entrance will be controlled to adhere to safety measures and masks will be required. Books will be replenished so a variety for all ages will be available all day. Book prices will be $1 each, kids paperbacks/50 cents, and DVDs/$2.

 

American Legion Chicken BBQ tickets are on sale for $12 each at the Legion (402 West Main Street, Northborough) on Thursdays and Saturdays from 3-7 p.m. Each ticket is for a freshly cooked meal of a ½ BBQ chicken, an ear of fresh, locally grown corn and a baked potato. All meals will be ready for pick up only on Sat., Sept. 26 from 4-6 p.m. 

 

The Rotary Club of Northborough Street Fair cannot be held this year; instead families, schools, businesses and town organizations are invited to participate in a virtual trivia competition. The finals will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 pm. Trivia questions will include local town history, geography, sports, and entertainment. Teams may be made up of no more than 10 devices and there is a $20 registration fee per participant. 

Past Rotary Club President Patricia Doyle wants this event to provide entertainment, spotlight town organizations and businesses and support the Rotary Club. Proceeds will help local programs such as Nutrition 68, Northborough Food Pantry, Community Meals and international efforts.

 

The Farmers Market on the new town common will have to wait until next year; however, a virtual farmer’s market is being planned. Previous vendors have been contacted and direct links to their sites will be available for shopping.

“We are trying to give the vendors visibility,” said Applefest Farmer’s Market co-chair Maribeth Grandpre. “There will be a good variety of items for sale including maple syrup, candles, soaps, spices, granola, hot sauces, and gourmet popcorn.”

 

The Northborough Garden Club will host a virtual garden show. 

Details, updates and event links for all Northborough Applefest events can be found at www.northboroughapplefest.com or follow on Facebook.

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